Exercising device



NOV. 4, W H. MAXWELL EXERGISING DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Nov. 22, 1939 Nov. 4, 1941. w. lA-l. MAXWELL EXERCISING DEVICE F-led Nov. 22, 1939 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 M/M x w o o w Patented Nov. 4, 1941 STAT UNET

axsiicisnic DEVICE William H. Maxwell, ewport Beach, Calif. application November 22, 1939, serial-No. ,305,689

3c claims. (ci. 272483) Y' Another object of this invention is to provide an exercising device useful in correcting round shoulders and in working and developing the chest, back, shoulders and arm muscles, that may be safely employed by persons of various ages, y

heights, weights, states of physical development, etc. The apparatus can be successfully used without the exercise of skill or practice and without extensive supervision.

-Another object of this invention is to provide a device of the character mentioned embodying a pair of swingable bars to/ be grasped when the arms of the user extend from his side, the bars being provided with novel means for yieldingly resisting inward swinging movement so that as the user draws the bars toward him he actively employs muscles of the shoulders, back and neck, particularly the rhomboideus and trapezius.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device of the character mentioned in which the I means offering resistance to swinging of the bars may be individually regulated to provide the desired yor required amount of resistance.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device of the character mentioned in which the 1 bars are mounted to swing-vertically as well as horizontally to give a Wide range .of movement to accommodate a wide varietyv of operating conditions and allowing the bars to hang close to the wall or other support when the device is idle.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device of the character mentioned embodying a single body forming a carrier for the various other parts and confining and housing the Working parts of the spring means, etc. and constituting a compact, convenient mounting to facilitate ready attachment of the device to a wall, frame, or other support.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device of the character mentioned in which the bars are of simplified, improved construction and have dependable and eifective mountings allowing for individual free movement horizontally and vertically, giving the device a very widerange of use without necessitating vertical adjustment of the body and adapting the device for the performance of various exercises.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device of the character mentioned embodying eective means for adjusting the resistance of the bars, which means `gives visible indication ofthe resistancel v, 'f A further object ofi this invention is to provide a device of the ycharacter referred to embodying novel'meansjfor mounting the body of the device forvertical adjustment. s

The .various objects `and features of my invention willbe fully understood `from the following detailed idescriptionof a typical preferred form and application Aof the,y invention,y throughout which description `reference is made to the a'ccompanying drawings, in which: Fig. A1 is a front View of one form of the inven tion illustratingthe. bars in extended positions. Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line 2--2 on Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is an enlarged vertical detailed sectional view taken as indicated by rlin-e 3`3 on Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary l detailed"sectional view illustrating one of the handlesv with the bar appearing in elevation.'` Fig. 5 is a transverse, detailed sectional viewtaken as indicated by line 5 -5 on Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is .an

enlarged View of one of the bar carrying members and a spring adjusting screw illustrating a slightly modified formof spring adjusting means. Fig. 7 is a vertical detailed sectional view taken as indicated, by line 1 1 on Fig. 2. Fig. 8 is a perspective View of thebody with the working parts removed. Fig. 9 is a perspective diagrammatic VView illustrating one manner of employingy the device. Fig., 10 is a perspective diagrammatic view illustrating another manner ofV employing the device.` u n The device of the present invention comprises, generally, abody Hl, means Il for mounting or supporting the body I0 for vertical adjustment, a pair of arms or bars I2 having 'handles i3 to' be grasped by the user, means I4 mounting the bars l2 on the body I0 for horizontal and vertical swinging movement, adjustable spring means l5 yieldingly resisting swinging of the bars l2,` and means I6 limiting the outward movement of the bars I2 and absorbing shock that may accompany sudden movementof the bars by the spring means l5. p n

The body l0 constitutes a carrier for the bar mounting means i4' and a carrier and housing for the spring means l5. The body maybe varied considerably in design and construction without departing from ythe spirit of the invention. Figs. 1 to 10, inclusive, illustrate one preferred form of body l0 adapted to be either fixed in a 'definite position to a suitable support, or tol be adjustably carried by the means Il or other adjustable support. The body I IJ is in the nature of a shell, that is, it is hollow or relieved at its rear side and is preferably a one-piece or integral member. The body ID includes a front wall I1, top and bottom walls I 8, and end or side walls I 9. In the preferred construction the body III is elongated horizontally and appears generally rectangular from the front. The front wall I1 is substantially vertical and the top and bottom walls I8 are substantially horizontal. 'I'he side walls I9 close the ends of the body I0, and, as illustrated, may be forwardly convergent. The body I0, when of the construction just described, may be a simple, one-piece casting.

In certain uses or applications of the invention the rear of the body I may directly bear against a wall, mounting plate, board, or other support. To facilitate such use the body is formed with threaded openings 2|a opening at its rear side to accommodate mounting screws, or the like. A plate 2 Ib is shown secured to the rear of the body by means of the screws inthe threaded openings 2 IE to act as a closure for the body and to facilitate mounting of the body, if desired. In accordance with the invention the rear edges of the top and bottom walls I8 have their major portions stepped forwardly or relieved, as at 20, leaving legs or mountings 2| at the ends of the body presenting limited surfaces for bearing on a support or plate such as 2lb. The limited bearing surfaces are readily finished by grinding. The side walls I9 are provided with bosses 22 presenting forwardly and inwardly facing surfaces 23. Openings 24 are provided in the front wall I1 near the ends of the body. Ihe openings are substantially rectangular and are provided to receive elements of the arm mounting meansAM. Forwardly projecting lugs or ears 25 are provided on the front wall I1 above and below the openings 24 to facilitate the attachment of the bar mounting means I4 to the body I0. Thickthe body.

The means I I for mounting the body I0 is such that the device may be bodily adjusted Vertically and set in different positions to adapt the device for use by persons of different heights and by persons in sitting or standing positions. The means II is not essential in every application of the invention as the body I0 may be rigidly secured to a support such as a wall, frame, or the like, in which case the mounting means I I would not be required. Where adjustable mounting means II is employed it preferably comprises a pair of spaced brackets 21. Thebrackets 21 are preferably designed to extend horizontally and tor be secured to a wall or other suitable support by screws 28 or other securing means passed through openings in theiropposite ends. The brackets 21 have horizontally spaced sockets 29 related to receive and hold the ends of bars or rods 3D so the rods are vertically disposed.

Aligned vertical openings 3I are provided in `theupper and lower walls I8 of the ,body Ill near the ends of the body to freely pass the rods II. Sleeves 32 are arranged in the body I0 to slidably pass the rods 30. Clamp screws 33 are screwed through openings 34 in the side walls I9 so their inner ends engage the tubes 32. Wing heads 35 or other handle meansyare provided on the outer ends of the screws 33 to facilitate the easy operation of the screws. When the screws 33 are tightened or threaded inwardly against the tubes 32 the tubes clamp against the rods 3U to set the body I0 against movement along the rods. When the screws 33 are loosened the tubes 32 are loose on the rods 3U and the body IU is free to be vertically shifted along the rods. Another, or supplemental, adjusting means may be provided by forming the rods 30 with openings 30*L to receive supporting pins 3Ilb on which the body may rest.

The arms or bars I2 are the principal working parts of the device, being the elements that are engaged and manipulated by the user. There are two like bars I2 characterized by their simple, symmetrical design. The bars I2 are elongate elements, preferably formed of tubular stock to be light in weight. The bars I2 are supported in spaced relation on the body by the means I4 so they normally hang from the body I0 from which position they can be swung apart and out to their working positions, in which they can be swung in various directions to accomplish various exercises.

The outer ends of the bars I2 are formed to present convenient handle means or to carry handles I3. The outer portions of the bars I2 are bent to have laterally extending portions 36 which carry transverse portions 31 that are at substantially right angles to the longitudinal axes of their respective bars I2. The portions 31 are preferably formed to intersect the longitudinal axes of their respective bars I2 and, if desired, may constitute the handles to be grasped by the user.

The handles I3 while not essential are desirable in most cases, making manipulation of the apparatus somewhat easier. The handles I3 are tubular elements rotatable on the transverse outer portions 31 of the bars I2. The exteriors of the handles I3 are shaped for convenient engagement or grasping. Means are provided to hold the handles I3 against displacement. A circumferential groove 38 is provided in the interior of each handle I3 and screws 39 are engagedin openings 40 in the bar portions 31 so their heads are received in the grooves 38. Openings 4I are provided in the side walls of the handles I3 and communicate with the grooves 38 to facilitate the insertion of the screws 39. The screw heads cooperating with the grooves 38 dependably hold the handles I3 against longitudinal movement but do not interfere with free turning of the handles. The handles I3 preferably cover or conceal the extremities of the bar portions 31.

The bar mounting means I4 are such that the bars I2 may be individually swung about both horizontal and vertical axes, the mounting being in the nature of universal joint means that allow swinging of the bars in various directions and to various positions. The universal bar mounting means I4 are such that the bars I2 normally depend from the body I0 so the device occupies a minimum of space horizontally of the wall or other support and allow the bars to slope either upwardly or downwardly when operated by persons of different heights and by persons in different positions, and when employed in the performance of exercises of various natures. In the particular form of mounting illustrated as an example of one possible construction, each mounting means I4 includes what may be termed a pivot block 42. The blocks 42 are supported in the openings 24 between the ears 25 to operate in and to close the openings 24. The blocks 42 have fiat, generally horizontal upper and lower sides received with suitable clearance between the opposing surfaces of the ears .25. 'I'he blocks 42 and the ears 25 have aligned or registering vertical openings which receive pivot pins 43. The pins 43 may be in the form of heavy rivets provided at their upper ends with heads, and having their lower ends distorted or peened over. The forward surfaces of the blocks 42 may be substantially cylindrically curved about the vertical pivotal axes of the blocks. A vertically disposed fork or yoke 44 is provided on the front or outer side of each block 42. With the parts in the normal or idle positions the yokes 44 are faced from the ends of the body and forward at a slight angle.

The means I4 further include fittings on the inner ends of the bars I2. These fittings include sockets 45 receiving the inner end portions of the bars l2 and tongues 46 received in the yokes 44. Retaining means such as set screws 41 are screwed through lateral openings `in the sockets 45 to secure the bars I2 in the sockets. It may be preferred to removably secure the bars I2 to the means I4 so that the bars may be detached to facilitate shipping and transporting of the device. The bar attaching screws 41 may have wing heads 48 or other handle means to facilitate convenient operation. The tongues 46 are adapted to work or pivot in the yokes 44. Registering horizontal openings in the yokes 44 and the tongues 46 receive pivot pins 49. The pins 49 secure the bars I2 to the blocks 42l for free pivoting about substantially horizontal axes. The openings 50 in the yokes 44 for receiving the pins 49 do not pass completely through the yokes but terminate before reaching the fronts of the yokes. Accordingly, the pins 49 cannot move forwardly from their openings. The pins 49 are prevented from moving rearwardly from their openings by the means I6, as will be later described, when the parts are in the idle positions. When the bars I2 are being operated the forces transmitted by the tongues 46 and the pins 4'9 hold the pins against displacement. It will be observed that the means I4 for mounting the bars I2 are simple, sturdy and dependable. The blocks 42 may be identical and are arranged to swing in the openings 24 so that the interior of the body I is never accessible through the openings and so that objects cannot become caught in the openings. k

The spring means I5 are provided to offer desirable resistance to swinging of the bars I2 toward one another about their vertical axes when they are extended as illustrated in Figs. l, 2, 9 and l0, and serve to urge the bars outwardly or away from one another when in the extended positions. It is a feature of the invention that the means I4 are separately or individually regulable to offer selected resistances to swinging of the individual bars I2.

Each spring means I5 includes a lever element carried by a pivoted block 42. The lever elements are adjustable longitudinally and in the preferred construction are in the nature of threaded stems or screws 5I. The screws 5I are threaded through substantially horizontal openings 52 in the blocks 42 to extend rearwardly into the hollow body I0 and to project forwardly from the blocks so that they are accessible for manipulation at the front of the device. The blocks 42 may be thickened or provided with bosses at the opposite ends of the screw receiving openings 52. In accordance with the invention the openings 52 are offset vertically from the medial horizontal plane of the body I 0, and the opening52 in one block 42 is above said plane while the opening 52 in the .other block is below it. The blocks 42 may be identical, as above described, and the relationship of openings 52 just described occurs by reasonfof the opposed disposition of .the blocks. The forward ends of the screws 52 carry suitable operating wheels or knobs 53. The inner portions 54 of the screws 5I are without threads and are preferably reduced in diameter. Sleeves 55 are turnably supported on the reduced screw portions 54. Keys 55 on the screws 5I hold the sleeves 55 against displacement from the screws. Washers 51 of leather or similar material are arranged on the reduced screw portions 54 at the opposite ends of the; sleeves 55. 'I'he washers 51 may be saturated with or carry a suitable lubricant for lubricating the bearing between the parts `r55 and 54. The washers 51 serve to dampen or absorb end play or end slap of the sleeves 55 that may occur during operation of the device.

The means I5 further include springs 58 operatively connected with the lever-like screws 5I through the medium of the sleeves 55. The springs 58 are rather strong, extensible coiled springs arranged substantially horizontally in the body I0. Because of the vertical offsetting of the screw-passing openings 52 described above, the springs are located one above the other and are suitably spaced apart. Each spring 58 has an eye or hook-like end received in an eye 59 on a sleeve 55. The springs 58 extend from their respective sleeves 55 toward the remote ends of the body I6. 'Loops or eyes v8l) may be formed on the outer ends of the springs 58 to receive bosses 60a on the shoulders v26 and to lie against the shoulders. Anchoring screws 6I are screwed in to openings in the shoulders 2'6 to pass through the bosses '66a and washers 62 are arranged under the screw heads to clamp the spring eyes 66 against the shoulders 26. It is preferred to rigidly clampthe spring eyes 69 against the shoulders 26 so that the springs do not have noise-producing play or movement on the shoulders 26. With the spring eyes 6!! firmly clamped against the shoulders 26 angular changes in the springs 58, due to swinging of the screws 5I, merely produce flexure through the lengths of the springs. The sleeves 55 turnably supported on the screw portions 54 allow the screws to be rotated to adjust the means I5.

The springs 58 mounted as described are practically silent when the device is in operation and dovnot sing, vibrate, or chatter. The springs 58 are preferably under a uormal or initial tension to urge the lever-like screws 5I inwardly or toward the central vertical axis of the device and thus urge the blocks 42 and bars I2 outwardly, or apart. When the bars I2 are swung inwardly or toward one another from the extended position shown in Figs. 1 and 2 the springs 58 are elongated and, of course, offer resistance to the movement. By adjusting or threading the screws 5I the ratio between the active lengths of the screws 5I and the bars I2 may be varied to change the mechanical advantage of the springs 58 over the bars I2. Thus, simple turning of the screws 5I serves to regulate the spring means I5. The pull of the springs 58 on the screws 5I serves to hold the screws 5I firmly in their openings 52 so they must be positively or intentionally adjusted and cannot turn through vibration of the parts or by unintentional engagement with the screws or their operating knobs 53.

Although the approximate condition of adjustment of the screws may be observed from the general position of the screws, it is preferred to provide means to visibly indicate, with accuracy, the condition or adjustment of the spring means I5. Each screw 5I is provided with a longitudinally extending ilat face 63. The faces 63 are on the exposed visible outer portions of the screws 5I and have longitudinally spaced calibrations B4. The calibrations G4 may be read at the forward faces of the blocks 42 to determine the settings or adjustments of the means I5.

The means I6 serve to limit the outward or lateral swing of the bars I2 and operate to dampen or absorb shock that may result from the forcible outward movement of the bars under the action of the springs 58. The means IB include stops 65 of yielding resilient material such as rubber, arranged against the shoulders 23 of the bosses 22. The stops 65 may be tubular or provided with central longitudinal openings which receive screws or bolts 66. The bolts 66 pass rearwardly through openings in the shoulders 23 and nuts 61 are adjustably threaded on their projecting rear portions. The heads 68 of the screws 61 bear against the forward ends of the stops 65 and the nuts 51 may be adjusted to put the stops 65 under varying degrees of compression and thus change the positions of the heads 88. The heads 68 are engageable by the blocks 42 and may be engaged by the ends of the pivot pins 49. The screw heads 88 are backed up by the yielding stops 65 so that engagement of the blocks 42 and the pins 49 with the screw heads is practically noiseless. The engagement of the blocks 42 and the pins 49 with the screw heads G8 positions or locates the blocks 42 so that the handles I3 of the extended bars I2 are readily engageable by the user, and the above described adjustment of the nuts 61 may regulate or vary this position of the handles I3.

To quickly and easily assemble the mechanism so that the springs are under an initial tension, the blocks 42 with the bars attached are applied to the body and swung to positions allowing the springs to be freely assembled. The bars are then swung out allowing the bumper means to be arranged in place, after which the blocks cannot return for enough to fully release the tension on the springs.

In the operation of the device it will be assumed that the body Ill is supported by the means II and is adjusted to the selected height. In this connection it is to be understood that the device may be adjusted on the means II to adapt it for use by persons of different heights and by persons either standing or sitting. The screws 5I may be adjusted by turning the knobs 53 to give the desired or required resistance to inward swinging of the bars I2'. In most instances it is preferred to adjust the means I5 so that the spring resistances on the two bars I2 are substantially alike. However, the resistances on the bars may be made unequal, if desired.

In exercising with the device the user faces the apparatus and grips the handles I3 with the palms up. The bars I2 are then swung out or apart until the arms are extended substantially straight out or horizontally from the sides of the body. The user assumes a Vertical or good postural position with the body rigid and the arms extended, and leans forward to shift a portion of his weight to the balls of the feet. This thrusts the body forward and applies a tension or stretching to the muscles of the chest and shoulders. While leaning forward the user may rock back and forth slightly to work the chest muscles and vary the tension on the same. This exercise is completed by returning the body to the original vertical position.

The device may be employed 'to actively work and shorten the muscles of the back in the region of the shoulders. The user assumes a position between the bars I2 with the arms extending horizontally, gripping the handles I3. The users body is moved forward to bring the shoulders slightly ahead of the line extending between the handles I3 of the bars I2. The handles I3 are then pulled or drawn toward the body, bending the elbows down. In performing this operation the resistance to movement of the bars I2 offered by the springs 58 should be overcome, as far as possible, by the muscles of the back instead of those of the arms. The arms are returned to the extended positions and the exercise may be repeated. The above exercises and the various other exercises that may be performed with the apparatus may be performed with the user either standing or sitting, as conditions may require. It will be apparent that a wide variety of exercises may be carried out by arranging the bars at different angles, for instance, both above or below a horizontal position, or one above and one below a horizontal position, and by varying the adjustment of the spring means.

Fig. 6 of the drawings illustrates a slightly modif-led form of structure for embodiment in the spring means I5. In this construction the block 42 has a plain or unthreaded opening 52'* passing an unthreaded portion of the screw 5I, The unthreaded portion of the screw 5Ia is reduced in diameter providing a forwardly facing shoulder 'I0 engageable with the rear side of the block 42 to prevent forward movement of the screw. The operating knob 53 on the forward end of the screw 5|a may engage against the front of the block 42 to prevent rearward movement of the screw 5I. In this construction the spring receiving or spring anchoring sleeve 55a is threaded to and travels along the screw 5I when the same is turned or adjusted. The traveling nut or sleeve 55a is threaded on the screw 5Ia and the engagement of the spring in its eye 59a holds it against turning. Accordingly, rotation of the screw 5I9L results in movement of the sleeve along the screw. A stop collar 'II may be fixed on the rear end of the screw 5I*1 to limit the rearward travel of the sleeve 55a.

Having described only a typical preferred form and application of my invention, I do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific details herein set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any variations or modifications that may appear to those skilled in the art or fall within the scope of the following claims.

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. An exercising device to be mounted on a vertical support comprising a pair of spaced bars, parts at the outer ends of the bars to be grasped by the user, means supporting the bars from their inner ends at a single location on the support for movement about substantially horizontal axes so the bars may be freely swung from inactive positions where they depend from the support and are in substantially vertical positions to generally horizontal operating positions and for swinging movement about substantially vertical axes so the bars may be swung toward and away from one another'in said horizontal positions, and means `yieldingly resisting swinging of the bars horizontally toward one other about the vertical axes.

2. An exercising deviceto be mounted on a Vertical support comprising a. pair of bars, means supporting the bars from their inner ends to pro- :ject divergently forward from the support and vfor swinging movement about substantially vertical axes, and means for yieldingly resisting movement of the bars comprising lever elements connected with the bars, resilient means associated with the lever elements, and means for adjusting the lever elements to vary the resistancetovswinging of the bars.

3. An exercising device to be mounted on a vertical" support comprising a body, means for mounting the body for vertical adjustment on the support, a pair of bars, horizontally spaced means supporting the bars on the body from their' ends for free swinging movement about substantially horizontal axes and for swinging movement about substantially vertical axes, handles on the outer ends of the bars to be grasped by the operator when his arms are extended horizontally, each means comprising a member supported on the body for movement about a substantia-lly Vertical axis and carrying the bar for movement about a substantially horizontal axis and a spring in connection with each member for resisting movement of the bars toward the operator in a horizontal plane.

4. An exercising device comprising a body having a pair of spaced openings, pivotally mounted members received in said openings, bars carried by said members to be swingable toward and away from one another, and means in the body associated with said members for yieldingly resisting swinging of the bars.

5. `An exercising device comprising a body hav- 'ing a pair of spaced openings, members pivoted to the body, bars carried by said members to be swingable toward and away from one another,

adjusting screws carried by said members to extend into-the body through the openings, spring elements in the body, and means associating the spring elements with the screws to yieldingly resist swinging of the bars in one direction and to 'have their movement resisting action varied by rotation of the screws.

6. Anr exercising device comprising a body forming a-housing having a pair of spaced openings, members pivotally carried in the body, bars carried by said members at the exterior of the vbody to be swingable toward and away from one another, screws adjustably threaded through the 'members to extend into the body through the openings, springs in the body, and means connecting the springs with the screws to yieldingly resist swinging of the bars in one direction and Vto be adjusted by the screws to offer Varying degrees of resistance to swinging of the bars.

7. An exercising device comprising a body, a

ypair of bars, members pivoted to the body to turn 8. An exercising device comprising a body, a

pair'of bars, members pivoted to the body to turn about substantially vertical axes, fittings on the inner ends of the bars, the members and ttings having registering openings, pins in said openings mounting the bars to swing about substantially horizontal axes, means yieldingly resisting swinging of the bars toward one another about sai'dvertical` axes and urging the bars and members outwardly away from one another, and shock-absorbing means on the body limiting outward swinging of the bars.

9. An exercisingk device for mounting on a vertical support comprising a body to be mounted on the support and forming a housing the interior of which is accessible only from the support side of the body when the body is removed from the support, a pair of bars, members mounting the ybars on the body to normally depend therefrom and operate to project therefrom and swing horizontally toward and away from one another, and means housed in the body connected with the members to yieldingly resist swinging of the bars in one direction.

10. An exercising device for mounting on a vertical support; comprising a body to be mounted on the support and forming a housing the interior of which is accessible only-from the support side of the body when the body is removed from the support, thev body having openings in its `front, exercising bars, members obstructing the openings supporting the bars at the exterior of the body to. normally depend therefrom and for swinging movement horizontally toward and away' from, one another, and means in the body operatively connected with the members to yieldingly resistv swingingiof the bars toward one another.v

11. An exercising device for mounting on a vertical support comprising a body to be mounted on the support and forming a housing the interior of 'whichl is accessible only from the support side of the body when the body is removed vfrom the support, the body having a pair of openings inA its front, exercising bars, members mounted. in the openings supporting the bars at the exterior of the body to normally depend therefrom and for horizontal swinging movement toward and away from one another, spring means housed inthe body, parts .on the members at the interior of` the. body, and connections in the body between the. spring means and said parts whereby theV spring means'resist swinging of the barstoward one another.

12. In anexercising device, a single elongate bar having a portion extending laterally and forwardly and a portion joining the outer end of vthe first named portion and extending transversely of the longitudinal axis of the bar, said portions being. integral with the bar, means supportingv the bar at its inner end for swinging movement and against rotation on its own axis, and handle means on the second named portion.

13. An. exercising device comprising a body, a pair of bars, means for connecting the inner ends of thebars with the body to be swingable inwardly and outwardly toward and away from one another, means onA the body for limiting swinging of the bars in the' outward direction, vand means for adjusting the last named means to vary the extreme outward positions .of the bars.

14. An exercising device comprising a body, a pair of bars, meanslfor connecting the inner ends of the bars with the body to be swingable about substantially vertical axes, means' for yieldingly resisting swinging of the bars toward one another and urging the bars to swing outwardly away from one another, and shock absorbing means for limiting the outward swinging of the bars.

15. An exercising device comprising a body, a pair of bars, means for connecting the inner ends of the bars with the body to be swingable horizontally, means for yieldingly resisting swinging of the bars toward one another and urging the bars to swing outwardly away from one another, and shock absorbing means for limiting the outward swinging of the bars, the last named means including yielding cushion elements on the body, and shiftable members connected with the body and bearing against the outer sides of the cushion elements and engageable by the bars.

16. An exercising device comprising a body, a pair of bars, means for connecting the inner ends of the bars with the body to swing horizontally, means for yieldingly resisting swinging of the bars toward one another and urging the bars to swing outwardly away from one another, and shock absorbing means for limiting the outward swinging of the bars, the last named means including yielding cushions on the body, shiftable securing members for the cushions bearing against the outer sides of the cushions to secure the same to the body and to be engaged by the bars to limit said outward movement, and means for adjusting the securing members to vary the limits of the outward swinging of the bars.

1'7. An exercising device comprising a body, members pivotally carried by the body, bars carried by said members at the exterior of the body to swing toward and away from one another, adf justing screws extending through the members into the body, spring elements in the body, and means associating the spring elements with the screws to yieldingly resist swinging of the bars in one direction and to have their movement resisting action varied by adjustment of the screws, the last named means including nuts threaded on the screws and connected with the spring elements to be held against turning thereby.

18. An exercising device to be mounted on a;

vertical support comprising a pair of bars, means for connecting the bars to the support to project them forwardly therefrom and laterally in opposite directions to be grasped by the operator when his arms are extended horizontally, said .i

means including pivotal connections allowing the bars to swing horizontally and to swing vertically, and means offering resistance to swinging of the bars in substantially horizontal planes.

19. An exercising device to be mounted on a vertical support comprising a pair of bars, means for connecting the bars to the support to project them forwardly therefrom and laterally in opposite directions to be grasped by the operator when his arms are extended horizontally, said means including a substantially horizontal pivot for each bar to allow it to freely swing vertically and a substantially vertical pivot to allow it to swing horizontally and means offering resistance to swinging of the bars about the vertical pivots.

20. An exercising device to be mounted on a vertical support comprising a pair of bars, parts at the outer ends of the bars to be grasped by the user, means supporting the bars at a single location on the support to forwardly divergethem therefrom, said means including pivotal axes for both vertical and horizontal movement of each bar, and means yieldingly resisting swinging of the bars in substantially horizontal planes including a spring connected with'each bar.

21. An exercising device to be mounted on a vertical support comprising a pair of bars, means for connecting the bars to the support to project them forwardly therefrom and laterally inlopposite directions to be grasped by the operator when his arms are extended horizontally, said means including pivotal connections allowing the bars to swing horizontally and to swing vertically, and yielding resistance for the bars including yielding means and variable leverage connections between the yielding means and the bars.

22. An exercising device including, a body, a member pivotally carried by the body, a bar connected to the member for pivotal movement, a tension spring having one end anchored and a screw connected with the bar to adjustably connect the other end of the spring and the bar so the spring resists movement of the bar in one direction.

23. An exercising device including, a body, a bar, resilient means, and means connecting the bar with the body and the resilient means including a rotatable screw, and a nut on the screw connected with the resilient means.

24. An exercising device including, a body, a bar, resilient means, and means connecting the bar with the body and the resilient means including a member connected with the bar, a screw threaded with said member, and a part connecting the resilient means and the screw.

25. An exercising device to be mounted on a vertical support comprising a pair of bars having handles at their outer ends, means supporting the bars from their inner ends to be freely swung to positions to project divergently forward in a horizontal direction from the support and for swinging movement about substantially vertical axes and to be held through the handles by the operator when his arms are extended horizontally, and individua1 means for each bar yieldingly resisting swinging of the bars toward one another and including a tension spring having one end anchored and an adjusting screw shiftable bodily with the bar and operatively connected with the other end of the spring.

26. An exercising device comprising a body, members pivotally carried by the body, bars carried by said members at the exterior of the body to swing toward and away from one another, adjusting screws extending through the members into the body, spring elements in the body, and means associating the spring elements with the screws to yieldingly resist swinging of the bars in one direction and to have their movement resisting action varied by adjustment of the screws.

27. An exercising device comprising a body. members pivotally carried by the body, bars carried by said members at the exterior of the body to swing toward and away from one another, adjusting screws extending through the members into the body,l spring elements in the body, and means associating the spring elements with the screws to yieldingly resist swinging of the bars in one direction and to have their movement resisting action varied by adjustment of the screws, the last named means including connections between the spring elements and the end portions of the screws within the body, the screws having threaded connection with said members.

28. An exercising device to be mounted on a vertical support comprising a pair of bars, means for connecting the bars to the support to project them forwardly therefrom and laterally in opposite directions to be grasped by the operator when his arms are extended horizontally, said means including pivotal connections allowing the bars to swing horizontally and to swing vertically, and yielding resistance for the bars including yielding means and variable leverage connections between the yielding means and the bars, each leverage connection including a screw operable to vary the leverage.

29. An exercising device to be mounted on a vertical support comprising a pair of bars, means for connecting the bars to the support to project them forwardly therefrom and laterally in opposite directions to be grasped by the operator when his arms are extended horizontally, said means including pivotal connections allowing the bars to swing horizontally and to swing vertically, and yielding resistance for the bars including yielding means and variable leverage connections between the yielding means and the bars, each leverage connection including a screw and a nut on the screw and connected with the yielding means.

30. An evercising device to be mounted on a vertical support comprising a pair of bars, means for connecting the bars to the support to project them forwardly therefrom and laterally in opposite directions to be grasped by the operator when his arms are extended horizontally, said means including pivotal connections allowing the bars to swing horizontally and to swing vertically, and yielding resistance for the bars in'- cluding yielding meansV and variable leverage connections between the yielding means and the bars, each leverage connection including a screw connected with the yielding means and mounted to move bodily and vary the leverage upon being rotated.

31. An exercising device including, a body, a bar, resilient means, and means connecting the bar with the body and the resilient means including a screw mounted through its threads to shift longitudinally upon being rotated, the resilient means being connected to the screw.

32. An exercising device including a body, a

bar, resilient means for acting on the bar, a screw operatively connected with the resilient means, and a common connection between the body, the bar and the screw, whereby the screw moves with the bar, the screw being operable to vary the action of the resilient means on the bar.

33. An exercising device comprising a horizontally disposed body, two members pivotally carried at opposite ends of the body, bars carried by said members to be swingable horizontally toward and away from one another and provided at their outer ends with handles to be grasped by the user when his arms are extended horizontally, and a pair of springs extending horizontally in the body, one spring having one end operatively connected with one of said members and the other end ixedin the body vand the other spring having one end operatively connected'with the other of said members and the other end fixed in the body.

34. An exercising device including, a body, a bar pivotally carried by the body, resilient means and a variable leverage connection between the bar and resilient means whereby the resilient means resists pivotal movement of the bar in one direction, said means including a screw operable to vary the leverage.

35. An exercising device including a body, a bar pivotally carried by the body, resilient means and a variable leverage connection between the bar and resilient means whereby the resilient means resists pivotal movement of the bar in one direction, said means including a screw operable to vary the leverage, the screw pivotally moving with the bar and being operatively connected with the resilient means.

36. An exercising device including, a body, a bar pivotally carried by the body, resilient means, and a variable leverage connection between the bar and resilient means whereby the resilient means resists pivotal movement of the bar in one direction, said means including a screw acting as a lever and operable to vary the leverage.

WILLIAM H, MAXWELL. 

